1979 Buick Century vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Century would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 406 more horse power than 1979 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 615 kg more than 1979 Buick Century. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 612 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Century | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Buick | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Century | SL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3214 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2570 mm |
